Rugby: Flynn to start for Crusaders

Hooker Corey Flynn has replaced Ti'i Paulo in the Crusaders starting line-up. Photo / Getty Images

Crusaders hooker Corey Flynn has been named in the starting line-up to face the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday morning (NZT).

Flynn, who has been sidelined with a cracked bone in his left ankle for the past four matches, joined the squad after playing 40 minutes for his Sydenham club team on Saturday.

Flynn replaces Ti'i Paulo, who drops to the bench.

In other changes to the team which lost to the Force last weekend, Wyatt Crockett starts at loosehead prop ahead of Ben Franks and Kieran Read moves from blindside flanker to No 8 replacing Thomas Waldrom.

George Whitelock starts at blindside flanker allowing skipper Richie McCaw to take his favoured No 7 position in his 100th match for the Crusaders.

In the backs, Sean Maitland moves from fullback to right wing, replacing Adam Whitelock. Colin Slade starts at fullback.

Jared Payne, who travelled with Flynn to South Africa, has recovered from a concussion injury suffered in the match against the Cheetahs two weeks ago and has been named on the reserves bench.

Crusaders
Colin Slade, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Daniel Carter, Kahn Fotuali'i, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), George Whitelock, Chris Jack, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Thomas Waldrom, Andy Ellis, Daniel Bowden, Jared Payne.

- NZPA